Roundabout



June 8, 1954 F. F. TAYLOR ETAL ROUNDABOUT Filed Nov. 3. 1949 v INVENTORSI H/RMAN F: 721mm & /floro H. WYMAN Patented June 8, 1954 ROUNDABOUT Furman F. Taylor and Floyd H. Wyman, Westminster, S. 0.

Application November 3, 1949, Serial No. 125,370

'9 Claims. 1

This invention relates generally to amusement devices of a type known as round-abouts on which children are able to propel the frame on which they are seated about a central axis by their own efforts.

The primary object of this invention is to provide an improved device of this type which is of simple and wonomical construction, but which is easy and sturdy in operation.

Another object is to provide a machine which has a minimum of operating parts and which does not require expensive ball or roller bearings at any connection and yet which will have .a long andtrouble-iree operating life.

A further object is to produce a rotary device of this type in which the main bearing does not require accurate machining nor sealing, but which bearing is virtually free from exposure to dirt and foreign matter, and in which the bearing action actually improves with wear.

A still further object is to provide a support with an upstanding holder in which the crank and rotary portion of a, device of this type may be readily inserted or removed, yet which holder, by means of its angularly cut open end, engages and holds the crank in its operative position without the useofset screws or clamping devices of any character.

Yet another object is to provide a rotary seating frame for a device of this character which consists of a single one-piece member which is bent in a unique manner so that additional bracing is not required. The one-piece member is pre-formed to a shape similar to the one it would assume under load so that the load on the member causes very little deflection from its intended shape.

With the foregoin and other objects in view, the invention resides in the followin specification and appended claims, certain embodiments and details of construction of which are shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the complete device assembled and ready for operation;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the support and its upright holder, but with its reinforcing ring removed;

Fig. 3 is a detail view of the one-piece crank;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the upper or main bearing and its attached hub;

Fig. 5 is a detail view of the one-piece connecting rod;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of one of the handles employed in operating this device; and

Fig. 7 is a plan view showing in detail the pivotal connection between the seating frame and the handles. 7

Referring to Fig. l of the drawing, the complete round-about will be seen to consist of a sup indicated generally at l, a crank 2, and a rotary portion 3 including handles 4, and connecting rods 5 joining the crank and handles in operating relation.

The support I consists of a long single member B, which in effect provides opposed base legs for the support, and has attached centrally thereof an upstandin holder and short lateral projections 8; lateral hollow base legs -9 are secured to these projections by means of capscrews It. The holder 7 is seen in Fig. 1 to include a tapered cut H at its upper end. Holder 1 is hollow to receive crank 2; the relatively long bottom projection 12 of the crank fits closely therein. The 'taper'cut l l prevents crank 2 from turning relative to holder '1 due to the fact that throw arm l3 of the crank cannotclimb up the taper due to the downward weight of any occupants on the rotary portion 3. Due to these features there results a stable structure in which the crank is maintained in a rigid vertical'position.

The rotary portion 3 consists mainly of a onepiece seating frame [4 which supports opposed seats l5 and rotates about top projection I6 of crank 2 by means of a unique bearing hub l1. Handles 4 .include identical upper hand grips 4b and lower foot pedals 4a and side plates 18 which are each drilled at 1'9 and 2t to receive throughbolts 30 for pivotally connecting the handles to the member is and connecting rods 5. These connecting :rods include a large bearing ring 2| at one end and a smaller diameter drilled boss 22 with its opening at right angles to the ring 2i.

Seating frame I l of rotary portion '3 is constructed of a single length of pipe or rod which is bent in a continuous reverse curve such that it is noticeably higher in the center or bearing section Ida than at the end sections l ib, which are themselvescurved slightly upward. Bearing hub ll consists of a-short length of tube 23 with a flat seat bearing plate 2'4 at the upper end thereol. This hub is welded to the center section 14a of frame l4 and depends therefrom so that its lower open end 25 may receive the elongated upper projection it of crank 2 and permit the tip 25 of the crank to engage the flat seat bearing plate 24. This tip maybe hardened, in which case it would dig into plate 24 slightly. Otherwise the tip 26 will wear oil ilat and provide more bearing surface under continued use. The curvature of frame I i is such that no additional bracing is necessary to maintain the rigidity and stability of the rotary portion 3 of this device. Due to the natural spring action of a long steel member such as this one, the end sections it?) will straighten out to approximately a horizontal position when the seats [5 are occupied.

Each open end of the huh I! and holder 7 is surrounded by a reinforcing ring 21 which is welded thereto to defeat the tendency of their relatively thin walls to split under a continuous load.

Crank 2 includes a welded on circular positioner 28 near its mid-section. This positioner holds the rings 2! of connecting rods 5 in the desired operating position on throw arm l3 of the crank.

In assembling the complete round-about the first step is to assemble the support 1 by slipping the open ends of base legs 9 over the projections 8 of the member 6 and tightening cap screws H3. The next step is to slip the rings 2-! of both connecting rods 5 over the tip 26 of crank 2 and down the crank until they reach positioner 28. The bottom projection l2 should then be inserted into holder 1. The next step is to install the seating frame i l by positioning its hub if over top projection iii of the crank; and the handle 4 may then be installed by turning horizontally and permitting the seat l5 to pass through the open center section of the handles. When the handles have passed the seat they may be turned upright and attached to the seating frame as shown in Fig. *7. Here the seating frame is seen to contain a bushing 29 welded thereon. Through-bolt 35 is inserted into the aligned opening made by holes IQ of the handle and bushing 29. The next step consists in connecting bosses 22 of the connecting rods 5 to the handles adjacent holes 29 in a similar manner to that shown in Fig. '7.

This device may be operated by either one or two children, since the connecting rod 5 is rigid and there is sufhcient leverage available to provide ample propelling or turning force. As a child pushes forward on a handle grip ib (Fig. l)

the crank 2 remains stationary since throw arm I3 cannot climb the inclination of cut H, and a turning force is imparted to frame id through connecting rod 5 and handle 4. This continues until the frame passes dead-center of the crank whereupon the handle must be pulled back to exert a turning force while the foot pedal to is pushed forward. If two children are operating the device the manipulation of the handle grip 4b and foot pedals do on one end of frame is is supplemented by the similar action of the other handle, being manipulated simultaneously in an opposite sense.

From the foregoing description it will be readily seen that there has been produced a device such as substantially fulfills the objects of the invention as set forth herein.

While this specification sets forth in detail the present and preferred construction of the device, still in practice such deviations from such detail may be resorted to as do not form a departure from the spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new and useful and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A round-about comprising a support with extending base legs and an upstanding holder, the holder being hollow and having its upper open end cut at an acute angle to the vertical; a crank having a throw arm and having top and bottom projections in substantially vertical alignment on either side of said throw arm, the bottom projection being received in the upstanding holder so that the throw arm engages the angularly disposed open end of the holder; a rotary frame portion with seats provided thereon mounted on said top projection, a tubular hub mounted centrally of the frame, the lower end of the hub opening downwardly to envelope the top projection of the crank in rotatable relationship therewith, operating handles on the frame portion adjacent the seats, and connecting rods between said handles and the crank throw arm to cause a rotary motion of the frame portion upon manipulation of the handles while rotation of the crank is prevented by the engagement of the throw arm and the angularly disposed open end of the holder.

2. A round-about comprising a support including an upstanding holder thereon, said holder having a vertically inclined angularly disposed open upper end, a crank having a throw arm and top and bottom projections in substantially vertical alignment, with said throw arm between said projections, the bottom projection being received within the upstanding holder to cause engagement between the lower portion of said throw arm and the angularly disposed end of the holder, whereby a weight on said frame will prevent any substantial rotation of said crank in said holder by virtue of the cranks inability to climb said inclined upper end, a rotary portion including a single piece frame member with oppositely disposed seats at the ends thereof, the frame member being curved upwardly at its central portion from either end, a tubular hub mounted centrally on said frame at the apex of said curved portion and projecting downward therefrom to envelope the top projection of the crank in rotatable relationship therewith, operating handles pivoted to said frame adjacent the seats and connecting rods pivoted to the handles and operatively connected to the throw arm of the crank to cause rotation of the frame upon manipulation of the handles.

3. A round-about comprising a support including an upstanding holder thereon, said holder having a vertically inclined angularly disposed open upper end, a crank having a throw arm and top and bottom projections in substantially vertical alignment with said throw arm between said projections, the bottom projection being received within the upstanding holder to cause engagement between the lower portion of said throw arm and the angularly disposed end of the holder, whereby a weight on said frame will prevent any substantial rotation of said crank in said holder by virtue of the crank's inability to climb said inclined upper end, a rotary portion including a single piece frame member with oppositely disposed seats at the ends thereof, the frame member including a seating frame curved upward slightly at its ends and curved downwardly between its ends and center, a tubular hub mounted centrally on said frame at the apex of said curved portion and projecting downward therefrom to envelope the top projection of the crank in rotatable relationship therewith, operating handles pivoted to said frame adjacent the seats, and connecting rods pivoted to the handles and operatively connected to the throw arm of the crank to cause rotation of the frame upon manipulation of the handles.

4. A round-about comprising a support including an upstanding holder thereon, said holder being hollow and having a vertically inclined sped-61c angularly disposed open upper end, a crank having top and bottom projections in substantially vertical alignment with said throw arm between said projections, a pointed tip on said top projection, and a throw arm between said top and bottom projections, the lower portion of said bottom projection being of shorter length than the holder; whereby a weight on said frame will prevent any substantial rotation of said crank in said holder'by virtueof the cranks inability to climb said inclined upper end, a rotary portion including a seating frame formed from a 1e piece member bent in a continuous reverse with upturned end sections and a relait igher center section, a tubular hub mounted centrally of said frame, the lower end of said hub being open for free turning engage ment with said top projection of the crank, a flat bearing plate in the hub, the pointed tip of the top crank projection engaging said bearing plate and providing the entire support for said rotary portion, said bottom projection engaging said holder in initial free turning relation until the throw arm engages the angularly disposed upper end to prevent further movement.

5. A roundabout comprising: a stationary support having horizontal legs for engagement with the ground and a single tubular upstanding holder including an angled upper end rigidly attached to said support; a rotary portion including a preformed single piece seating frame having a raised center section and upwardly curved end sections, seats on said end sections and a single downwardly extending tubular hub including an internally located flat plate at the upper end of said hub, one side of said plate being attached to said seating frame to rigidly join the hub and frame, and the other side of said plate forming an internal bearing seat for said hub; a single piece crank having a throw arm and having a top and bottom projection in substantially vertical alignment, there being a pointed tip at the upper end of said top projection; the underside of said crank throw arm engaging the lower vertical section of said angled upper end of said support holder and said bottom projection engaging the tubular portion of said holder in non-turnable relation, and said crank tip engaging said hub bearing plate and said top projection engaging the tubular portion of said hub in turnable relation, and propulsion means between the throw arm of said crank and said seating frame to cause said seating frame to revolve about the top projection of said crank as an axis.

6. A roundabout comprising: a stationary support having horizontal legs for engagement with the ground and a single tubular upstanding holder; a rotary portion including a preformed single piece seating frame having a raised center section and upwardly curved end sections, seats on said end sections, and a single downwardly extending tubular hub including an internally located horizontal plate at the upper end of said hub, one side of said plate being attached to said seating frame to rigidly join the hub and frame, and the other side of said plate forming a flat horizontal bearing surface; a single piece crank having a throw arm and having a top and bottom projection in substantially vertical alignment, a pointed tip at the upper end of said top projection; said crank removably inserted between said rotary portion and said support; said support holder being hollow and including an open upper end, said upper end being flat and angularly disposed relative to the ground; the bottom projec tion of said crank engaging the hollow portion of said support holder in centering relation, the lowest vertical point of the angled upper end of said support holder engaging the lower portion of said throw arm in weight supporting but nonable relation, the top projection of said k, engaging said tubular hub in centering relatibn, said pointed tip engaging said bearing plate and said rotary frame in weight supporting and rotatable relation; and propulsion means between the throw arm of said crank and said seating frame to cause said seating frame to revolve about the top projection of said crank as anaxis.

7. A roundabout comprising a support including an elongated upstanding holder thereon, said holder being hollow and open at its upper end; a crank having elongated top and bottom projections in substantially vertical alignment with a throw arm between said projections, the elongated bottom projection being received in the elongated upstanding holder, a rotary portion consisting of a seating frame, seats at opposite ends thereof, an elongated tubular hub of substantial length relative to its diameter mounted centrally of said frame, the lower end of said elongated hub being open and facing downward, said elongated hub enveloping the elongated upper projection of said crank in relatively close fitting relation, means to support the frame for rotary movement relative to the upper projection while the vertical length of said hub restricts the lateral movement of said frame, handles pivoted tosaid frame near said seats, and connecting rods pivoted to said handles at points below said frame and operatively connected with said crank.

8. A roundabout comprising a support including an elongated upstanding holder thereon, said holder being hollow and open at its upper end, a crank having elongated top and bottom projections, in substantially vertical alignment with a throw arm between said projections, a rotary portion consisting of a seating frame, seats at opposite ends thereof, a downwardly projecting elongated tubular hub of substantial length relative to its diameter mounted centrally of said frame, the upper end of said elongated hub being closed, the lower end of said elongated hub being open and facing downward, said elongated hub enveloping the upper elongated projection of said crank in relatively close fitting free rotary relationship therewith, means between the closed end of said elongated hub and the top of said upper elongated projection to support the frame for rotary movement while the vertical length of said elongated hub acts to restrict the lateral movement of said frame; and operating handles pivoted to the frame adjacent the seats and connected by rods to the throw arm of said crank to permit propulsion of the rotary portion of the roundabout.

9. A roundabout comprising a support with extending base legs and an upstanding holder, the holder being hollow and having an angularly disposed open upper end; a crank having top and bottom projections in substantial vertical alignment on either side of a throw arm, the bottom projection being received in the upstanding holder so that the throw arm engages the angularly disposed open end of the holder, a rotary frame portion with seats provided thereon mounted on said top projection, a tubular hub mounted centrally of the frame, the lower end of said hub opening downwardly to envelope the upper projection of the crank in rotatable relations'hip therewith, operating handles on the frame portion adjacent the seats, and connecting rods pivoted to the underside of said frame and operating between the handles and the crank throw arm to cause a rotary motion of the frame portion upon manipulation of the handles, while rotation of the crank is prevented by the engagement of the throw arm and said elongated open upper end.

Name Date Millward Dec. 25, 1877 Number Number 8 Name Date Patterson Feb. 18, 1908 Williams May 13, 1924 Roempke July 29, 1924 Hulsman Sept. 27, 192 7 Travers Apr. 16, 1929 Travers Jan. 6, 193% Brainard et a1 June 16, 193

Bink Oct. 20, 1931 Bailey May 30, 1950 Cummings Mar. 6, 1951 

